Behind the Design of Ladurée’s Boutique by the Great Pyramids of Giza

Designing a space by the Great Pyramids of Giza is an honour to any designer, and when Claudia Ravnbo, Founder of Paris-based Studio Ravn, was tapped to design one of Ladurée’s largest boutiques in the world by the ancient site, she knew it needed a one-of-a-kind medley of aesthetics.

“Ladurée’s interior style has evolved over the years and is always influenced by the location,” Ravnbo tells SceneHome of the high-end French patisserie, having worked on numerous Ladurée boutiques across the world. “By the pyramids, I drew inspiration from the history and culture of ancient Egypt.”

Studio Ravn’s approach is reflected in the colour palette and choice of materials, such as the green marble used for the floors and bars. “It’s a nod to ancient Egypt as it’s a noble material that adds a touch of luxury to the space,” Ravnbo explains. “Earth tones echo the Egyptian landscape, while touches of gold evoke the luxury and opulence of ancient Egypt.”

While each one of Ladurée’s boutiques is unique, they all share a common aesthetic that embodies the elegance of the brand. Its character is intrinsically linked to the Napoleon era, as the first Ladurée salon was established on Rue Royale in Paris in 1862.

“This style is characterised by pastel hues, floral patterns and gold accents. It’s renowned for its opulence and meticulous attention to detail, with elements such as columns, friezes, and gold ornaments,” Ravnbo says. “This is a parallel I drew from ancient Egyptian culture when designing the Khufu site.”

Brass was extensively used on tables and chairs to add a touch of warmth and shine to the space, beautifully contrasting the green marble and complements the gold tones. “In addition to velvet fabrics, I chose fabrics with hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt from Pierre Frey’s collection to add a touch of authenticity and historical depth,” Ravnbo adds. Together, both fabrics contribute to the location’s rich atmosphere.

Despite making the space unique to its context, Ravnbo still maintained some of Ladurée’s defining features such as the crystal chandeliers and intricately carved wooden furniture, paying homage to 19th century French elegance and merging the opulence of brand’s Napoleonic style with a touch of soft romanticism.

“When arranging the furniture and seating, I had to consider the size of the boutique,” Ravnbo recalls. “I aimed to create a natural flow that guides customers through the space, while offering numerous comfortable spots to sit and savour their delightful pastries, all while directing their attention to the breathtaking view of the pyramids.”

Fusing the French elegance of Ladurée with the timelessness of ancient Egypt, Studio Ravn created a unique and unforgettable space. Allowing both histories to resonate together, the design presents Ladurée in a way that feels like being carried away from the world whilst indulging in French gourmandise.